“See you out there.”
Next to him Lara hadn’t said a word, which showed how nervous she was. Lee had taught her how to compose photos, and she’d spent a couple of afternoons wandering around the grounds with him.
The café was beach themed with shells and starfish decorations covering the walls outside. Several tables were set out on the pavement in front of the ocean, shaded by large umbrellas, and a couple of families sat at them, but Sofia wasn’t amongst them. “Ready?”
Lara nodded.
Inside was a little cooler with the air-conditioning blaring. He spotted Faith first, sitting in the far corner, next to the wall where she could see the entrance and everyone inside. He smiled. At the table next to her were Jay and Cheryl. Though retired, Jay occasionally helped around the station. They were chatting to another couple, probably some tourists they’d befriended. They seemed to make friends everywhere.
“Is she here?” Lara whispered.
He kept scanning. Sofia hadn’t replied to his voice mail message, but she sat at a table by the window, next to a man who was possibly her husband, and two young boys, maybe five years of age. Darcy cursed to himself. Why had she brought her entire family with her? It would be difficult enough for Lara to meet her, let alone the people who had replaced her.
“Dad?”
“Yeah, she’s here, pumpkin. She’s at the table by the window.”
Sofia spotted them and waved. Lara pressed closer to his side. “Who’s with her?”
“I’d guess it’s her new husband and his sons.”
Lara looked up at him and frowned. “Does that make him my dad?”
He winced, not liking the surge of jealousy. “Step-dad I guess. Do you want to go over there?”
She straightened. “Yes. You remember the sign?”
“Three bangs on the table,” he replied.
Sofia had taken a couple of steps towards them and now she waited as they approached. Her eyes glistened. “Lara. I can’t believe how much you’ve grown.” She held out her arms.
The woman was clueless.
“Lara, this is your mum, Sofia.”
Lara dived into her arms and hugged her.
Hurt pinned him to the spot. He shouldn’t be surprised. Lara loved everyone and had the kindest heart around. He swallowed down his pain.
“You must be Darcy.” The man at the table held out his hand. “I’m Josh.”
He forced a smile and shook his hand. “G’day.” Lara was still buried in her mother’s arms and Sofia was crying. “These your boys?”
“Twins. Todd and Trevor.”
The boys barely acknowledged him, too busy slurping their milkshakes.
Lara pulled back and wiped her eyes. Darcy handed her a tissue. “You OK?”
“Of course she is,” Sofia said, pulling out the spare seat. “Have a seat, baby. What would you like to drink?”
Darcy ignored Sofia, waiting for Lara to nod in response to his question. “All right. I’ll be right there with Faith.”
She hugged him and whispered, “I love you.”
“I love you more.” He kissed her head and walked over to where Faith waited. She stood. “You look like you need a hug.”
Her arms came around him before he could answer and he leaned into her, drawing comfort from her softness. “Thanks.” She smelled like the ocean and her hair was a little damp. “You been swimming?”
